April 29, 2009
WTTC: End of the Road for American but Green Light for Clan Leader
 Ariel Hsing (USA) Photo By: Ayoade Ademakinwa |
"Ariel Hsing Fought Bravely" Success and defeat, that was the story for two of the youngest players in the Preliminary Rounds of the singles events at the H.I.S. World Championships in Yokohama on Wednesday April 29, 2009; both having come through the group stage unbeaten. In the Men’s Singles event it was continued success for 14-year-old Koki Niwa. |
Alas for the United States of America; in the Women’s Singles competition, it was defeat for 13-year-old Californian, Ariel Hsing.
Brave Fight
Ariel Hsing fought bravely and underlined her undoubted potential being beaten by another rising star, Chinese Taipei’s 19 year old Hsiung Nai-I.
In a hard fought duel the Hsiung Nai-I won in five games, succeeding 11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11.
European Scalps
Meanwhile, for Koki Niwa, he thwarted European opposition, not only did he thwart European opposition, he thwarted experienced European opposition.
Supported by Koki’s Clan, who with their inflated clappers were in full peal; Niwa, who currently stands at no. 860 on the ITTF Men’s World Rankings, defeated two players of much higher status.
World Rankings
He beat Slovenia’s Uros Slatinsek, ranked no. 349, before overcoming the Czech Republic’s Joszef Simoncik, ranked no. 183, to secure his place in the main draw.
Bemused
“Now, I will meet one of the seeded players”, said Koki Niwa who stood somewhat bemused in front of the television cameras, seemingly dazzled by all the media attention and happy just to do what he does best; hit a table tennis ball.
Goal
“My goal was to get through the qualification groups”, he continued. “I won yesterday and that gave me confidence; now, to have won today, I’m really happy.”
He has every right to be happy, he has more than exceeded his goals.
Hardest Match
A place in the main draw is his and who knows what may happen next; for Koki Niwa, he’s played four singles matches, he is acclimatized to the conditions in the Yokohama Arena, for the seeded player, it will be his first match.
Remember: the first match can often be the hardest of all.
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